Device for cleaning swimming pools



Nov. 29, 1966 A. PANSINI 3,287,755

DEVICE FOR CLEANING SWIMMING POOLS Filed Febv 15, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ANDREW L. PANS/Nl A TTORNE Y5 Nov. 29, 1966 A. L. PANSlNl DEVICE FOR CLEANING SWIMMING POOLS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 15, 1965 F I E- INVENTOR. ANDREW L. PAN5/N/ WI ll 1 FI Er- 1U- Nov. 29; 1966 A. L. PANSINI DEVICE FOR CLEANING SWIMMING POOLS 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 15, 1965 I II lillllll lllll PIE--12- ANDREW L. PANS/N/ ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,287,755 DEVICE FOR CLEANING SWIMMING POOLS Andrew L. Pansini, 180 Los Cerros Drive, Greenbrae, San Rafael, Calif. Filed Feb. 15, 1965, Ser. No. 432,479 11 Claims. (Cl. -1.7)

This invention relates to a device for cleaning foreign material from the submerged surfaces of a swimming pool. The invention is particularly directed to a device having utility for the removal of both fine and coarse debris from the surfaces of a swimming pool.

In the prior art, devices to effect the cleaning of submerged swimming pool surfaces have relied primarily upon the creation of a vacuum to facilitate the removal of foreign matter from these surfaces. The creation of this vacuum was typically accomplished either through the utilization of a pump communicating with the intake mouth of the cleaning device or a venturi incorporated into this mouth. In the latter case, the vacuum was generally created by playing a high pressure jet through a necked-down venturi arrangement communicating with the mouth. An example of this type of an arrangement is found in U.S. Patent 2,725,356.

Vacuum type cleaning devices of the type generally described above have proved effective in picking up loose foreign material in theform of fines (e.g., sand-). These devices have the disadvantage, however, that they are not" effective in picking up .coarser foreign material, such as leaves. Furthermore, when .these devices do pickup such coarser foreign material, the vacuum creation means thereof are readily fouled. These devices also have the disadvantage that their effectiveness in removing foreign materials adhering to submerged swimming pool surfaces is very limited.

In an effort to overcome some of the aforementioned disadvantages of prior art vacuuming devices, I have developed a leaf cleaning device for swimming pools which is disclosed in my prior U.S. Patent 3,063,007. Although this device has proved effective for the removal of leaves from swimming pools, it is not well facilitated for the removal of fines.

It is, accordingly, a principal object of the present invention to provide a swimming pool cleaning device which overcomes the disadvantages incumbent with prior art devices and methods.

Another and more specific object of the invention is to provide such a device capable of picking up both leaves and fines through the utilization of a high pressure current which washes these from the surface of a pool being cleaned.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pool cleaning device capable of taking wider swipes than may be made with conventional vacuum devices, which device is also capable of cleaning in confined corner areas.

Still another object of the-invention is to provide a pool cleaning device capable of being powered either by the discharge from a conventional filter unit or a conventional Water supply. 1

The device of the present invention basically comprises a structure for directing a jet of water in washing relationship with the surface of a pool being cleaned and for deflecting this jet, together with foreign material entrained therein, into a material entrapping receptacle.

The foregoing and other objects and the details of the inventive structure will become more apparent when viewed in light of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective viey illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are end and side elevational views, respectively, of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective and side elevational views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view illustrating a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of ment of the invention similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10,

but having incorporated thereinto additional jet and deflector elements; and,

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the invention similar to that of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, but having incorporated thereinto additional jet and deflector elements.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the cleaning device therein is designated in its entirety by the numberal 10 and basically comprises a receptacle 11 and a pick-up" apparatus 12 disposed the'rebelow. The receptacle 11' comprises a vertically extensive bag closed at its top and side surfaces and open, as indicated at 13, at itsbottom. 'The receptacle 11 is formed of material, such as cloth, pervious to the passage of water and substantially impervious to the passage of foreign particles,

such as may be washed from the floor of a cleaned.

The pick-up apparatus 12 includes a centrally disposed receiver comprising a pair of juxtaposed deflectors 14 and 15. The deflectors 14 and 15 are identical in construcpool being tion and comprise open vertically disposed ends 16 and 17,

respectively, and open horizontally disposed ends coextensive with said vertically disposed ends 20 and 21, respectively. The ends 16 and 17 are directed to the open bottom 13 of the receptacle 11, whereas the ends 20 and 21 are disposed in oppositely facing directions below the receptacle. The deflectors 14 and 15 are fixedly secured together in opposed relationship by a plate 22 disposed therebetween. A framework 23 is secured to the deflectors 14 and 15 in supporting relationship with the open bottom 13 of the receptacle.

The basic structure of the pick-up apparatus is completed by a water conveying conduit 24 extending transversely thereacross and having end portions 25 and 26 disposed in opposed spaced relationship with respect to the deflectors 16 and 17, respectively. The end portions 25 and 26 have disposed therein nozzles 29 and 30, respectively, positioned to direct jets of water into the open horizontally disposed ends of the, deflectors opposed thereto. Water is supplied to the conduit 24 through means of a hose 31 communicating with the center portion thereof. This hose may be connected to any source of water under pressure, such as the discharge outlet of a pool filtering system or a conventional water supply line. A longitudinally extensive handle 32 is secured to the pick-up apparatus 12 through a fixed connection with the conduit 24 and extends laterally therefrom in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by the jet emanating from the nozzles 29 and 30.

The FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 embodiment is illustrated in the process of cleaning the lower surface or floor 33 of a swimming pool. From the drawings it can be seen that in this process the deflectors 14 and 15 ride along this surface and function as means for orientating the nozzles 29 and 30 relative thereto. Specifically, the deflectors function to orientate the nozzles 29 and 30 in a position wherein the jets emanating therefrom, designated by the numerals 34 and 35, pass in close proximity with and parallel to the surface 33. This orientation is such that the jets 34 and 35 simultaneously wash over the surface 33 and sweep both fine and coarse foreign material therefrom. This material, in turn, is entrained in the jet and directed into the deflectors 14 and 15, Where it is deflected into the receptacle 11. The force of the water deflected into the receptacle 11 is suflicient to maintain the foreign material suspended therein, even though the bottom 13 is open. The cleaning process is completed by traversing the device 10 over the entire surface of a pool being cleaned through utilization of the handle 32.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, and 6, the embodiment illustrated therein differs from that of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 primarily in that the receptacle takes the form of a vacuum hose 36 leading to a conventional pool filtering system (not illustrated) and that a booster jet 37 is directed upwardly into the hose. The pick-up apparatus of the FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 embodiment is designated in its entirety by the numeral 40 and comprises: an integral receiver 41 having opposed deflectors 42 and 43 therein; a water conveying conduit 44 extending transversely of the receiver and having end portions 45 and 46 disposed in opposed relationship with the deflectors 42 and 43, respectively; nozzles 49 and 50 disposed in the portions 45 and 46, respectively, and positioned to direct jets of water 51 and 52 into the deflectors opposed thereto; a water hose 48, corresponding to the hose 31, communicating with the conduit 44 and a conduit 53 having a nozzle 54 from which the jet 37 emanates; and, a longitudinally extensive handle 55 extending in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by the jets 51 and 52.

The operation of the pick-up apparatus 40 corresponds closely to that of the apparatus 12. Specifically, this apparatus is directed transversely across the surface 33 of a pool to be cleaned through utilization of the handle 55. During this operation, the lower surface of the receiver 41 functions to support the apparatus so that the jets 51 and 52 are orientated to wash over the surface 33, thus sweeping both fine and coarse foreign material therefrom. This foreign material is directed into the horizontally disposed ends of the deflectors 42 and 43 and deflected therefrom vertically into the hose 36. The jet 37 functions to assist in the forcing of material into the hose. The hose 36 is fabricated of an impermeable material and, thus, water and foreign material directed thereinto is drawn into the filtering unit (not illustrated) communicating therewith.

FIG. 7 illustrates a modification of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. This modification differs from the latter embodiment only in the deflector construction incorporated into the receiver 41. Specifically this construction comprises opposed integral deflectors 42a and 43a defining therebetween a cavity 56 open to the surface 33 of a pool being cleaned. The cavity 56 has an opening 57 in the upper surface thereof communicating with the space to the interior of the deflectors 42a and 43a. The conduit 53 in this construction is disposed within the cavity 56 and the nozzle 54 is positioned to direct the jet of water 37 upwardly through the opening 57.

The operation of the FIG. 7 modification difiers from that of the FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 embodiment only in that foreign material disposed beneath the cavity 56 is forced through the opening 57 therein simultaneously with the entry of foreign material laterally into the deflectors. Thus, as a transverse swipe is made with this modification, no unclean area is left beneath the surface over which the deflectors have directly passed.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the embodiment of the invention illustrated therein differs from the aforedescribed embodiments primarily in that the washing jets emanate from a centrally disposed location and are directed into the laterally positioned deflectors. The receptacle in this embodiment takes the form of a sock-like filter element 60 fabricated of a material corresponding substantially to that of the receptacle 11 and having opposed open ends 61 and 62. The pick-up apparatus of this embodiment, designated in its entirety by the numeral 63, is fabricated as an integral structure having deflectors 64 and 65 at the opposed ends thereof. These deflectors include vertically disposed end portions communicating with the filter element 60 and open oppositely facing horizontal portions directed towards each other. A water conduit 66 having end portions 70 and 71 in space opposed relationship with respect to the deflectors 64 and 65 is positioned centrally in the apparatus 63. The end portions 70 and 71 have nozzles 72 and 73 therein positioned to direct jets of water 74 and 75 into the open end portions of the deflectors 64 and 65, respectively. Water is supplied to the conduit 66 through a hose 76 corresponding substantially to the aforedescribed hose 31. A longitudinally extensive handle 77 is fixed centrally of the apparatus 63 in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by the jets 74 and 75.

The operation of the FIG. 8 embodiment corresponds substantially to that of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 and FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. During this operation, the pick-up apparatus is traversed across the surface 33 to be cleaned through utilization of the handle 77. As the apparatus is so traversed, the lower surfaces of the deflectors 64 and 65 orientate the nozzles 72 and 73 so that the jets emanating therefrom pass in close proximity with and substantially parallel to the surface 33 being cleaned. These jets wash over the surface and entrain foreign material therefrom, which material is directed horizontally into the deflectors 64 and 65 where it is deflected vertically into the filter element 70. The Water entering the filter element along with the foreign material has sufficient velocity to maintain said material suspended in the element.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 corresponds closely to that of FIG. 8 both in its construction and operation. This embodiment differs from that of FIG. 8 primarily in that it incorporates a bag-type receptacle or filter element 80, similar to the aforedescribed receptacle 11, and includes wheels 81 facilitating its movement over the surface of a pool being cleaned. The pick-up apparatus of the FIGS. 9 and 10 embodiment is designated in its entirety by the numeral 82 and comprises: opposed deflectors 83 and 84 on which the wheels 81 are mounted, each of which deflectors has an inwardly extending horizontally disposed portion belowthe receptacle and a vertically disposed section extending into the receptacle; a substantially rectangular framework 85 to which the deflectors 83 and 84 are affixed, which framework is secured to the open mouth or bottom of the receptacle 80; a plate 86 fixed to and eX- tending across the framework 85 to close the open cen' trally located portion of the receptacle 80; a water conveying conduit 87 having end portions 90 and 91 dis posed in spaced opposed relationship with respect to the deflectors 83 and 84; nozzles 92 and 93 disposed in the end portions 90 and 91 to direct jets of water 94 and 95 into the horizontal open end portions of the deflectors 83 and 84, respectively; a hose 96, corresponding to the hose 31, communicating with the conduit 87 to supply water thereto; and, a longitudinally extensive handle 97 fixed to the framework 85 in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by the jets 94 and 95.

The operation of the FIGS. 9 and 10 embodiment corresponds identically to that of the FIG. 8 embodiment described above, with the exception that the jets 94 and 95 are orientated in washing relationship with the surface being cleaned through support of the wheels 81, rather than support directly on the lower surfaces of the deflectors. Accordingly, the foregoing remarks directed to the operation of the FIG. 8 embodiment apply equally to the FIGS. 9 and 10 embodiment.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11 differs from that of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 only in that means is provided to selectively vary the open area between the nozzles and deflectors opposed thereto. Accordingly, elements of the FIG. 11 embodiment corresponding to those of the FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 embodiment are designated by numerals corresponding to those used in the latter embodiment.

The means to vary the open area between the nozzles 49 and 50 and the deflectors opposed thereto comprises end plates 100 and 101 on the receiver 41 and arcuate closure plates 102 and 103 slidably secured to the receiver 41 for selective adjustment relative thereto. The plates 102 and 103 are adjustably secured through means of slots 104 in the receiver 41 and bolts 105 extending slidably through the slots into threaded engagement with the plates 102 and 103. Through this arrangement, the open area between the centrally disposed deflector portion of the receiver 41 and the end plates 100 and 101 can be selectively varied.

In pool cleaning operation, the FIG. 11 embodiment functions in a manner identical to that of the FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 embodiment. The FIG. 11 embodiment has the advantage that it may be adjusted to achieve optimum cleaning results under any particular set of conditions. For example, where the debris being cleaned is only in the form of fines, it may be desirable to restrict the open area between the nozzles and deflectors to a maximum extent.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the embodiment of the in vention illustrated therein differs from that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 primarily in that it includes two pairs of jet and deflector elements, rather than a single pair. The receptacle of this embodiment comprises a bag 106 fabricated of a material corresponding to that of the receptacle 11 and having a downwardly facing open mouth. The pick-up apparauts of the FIG. 12 embodiment comprises: a tubular receiver 107 of generally round configuration secured to the open mouth of the bag 106; a pair of opposed deflectors 110111 and 112-113 on the receiver 107 having inwardly facing lower portions and upper portions directed into the bag 106; a conduit 114 fixedly secured to the receiver 107 and having an end portion 115 disposed centrally of said receiver; a plurality of nozzles 116 disposed in the end portion 115, each of which nozzles is directed to one of the deflectors 110-113; a water hose 117, corresponding to the hose 31, in communication with the conduit 114; and, an axially extensive handle 120 secured to the receiver 107.

The operation of the FIG. 12 embodiment is carried out simply by traversing the receiver across the surface being cleaned through utilization of the handle 120. In this operation, the ends of the deflectors 110113 support the nozzle 116 in an orientation wherein the jets ema nating therefrom pass in close proximity with and substantially parallel to the surface being cleaned. Thus, the debris from the surface is directed to the deflectors and upwardly into the bag 106 wherein it is held sus* pended by deflected water entering the bag.

The difference between the FIG. 13 embodiment and the FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 embodiment corresponds closely to the difference between the FIG. 12 embodiment and the FIGS. 9 and 10 embodiment. Specifically, in the FIG. 13 embodiment two opposed pairs of jets, rather than a single opposed pair of jets, are directed towards a centrally disposed deflector.

Referring now to the structure of the FIG. 13 embodi ment, this can be broken down basically as a bag or re ceptacle 121 of material corresponding to the receptacle 11 and a pick-up apparatus 122 secured to the open lower end of the bag 121. The pick-up apparatus 122 comprises: a receiver defined by a plate 123 having a centrally disposed opening 124 therein secured in communication with the mouth of the bag 121 through a collar 125; a conduit 126 secured to and extending around the plate 123 and having pairs of opposed end portions 129-130 and 131-132; opposed inwardly directed nozzles 133 on the end portions 129-132; a deflector 134 positioned cen: trally below the opening 124 by a bracket 135 fixed thereto and extending into engagement with the plate 123, which deflector has outwardly disposed portions in op posed alignment with the nozzles 133 and upwardly disposed portions contiguous with said outwardly disposed portions directed into the bag 121; a hose 136, corresponding to the hose 31, secured in fiuid communication with the conduit 126; and, an axially extensive handle 137 secured to and extending outwardly from the plate 123.

In operation of the FIG. 13 embodiment it is merely necessary to traverse the pick-up apparatus 122 across a surface being cleaned through utilization of the handle 137. During this operation, the deflector 134 and end portions 129432 support the nozzles 133 in a position wherein the jets emanating therefrom will be directed in close proximity with and substantially parallel to the surface being cleaned. Thus, the jets function to sweep debris from the surface being cleaned and direct it into the deflector 134 where it is deflected into the bag 121. As in the other embodiments of the invention, the water entering the bag from the deflector functions to suspend debris therein.

Although the greatest use of the various aforedescribed embodiments of the invention is for use in cleaning the submerged surfaces of swimming pools, it is to be understood that the invention also has ability for skimming foreign material from the water surface of a swimming pool. For such use, it is merely necessary to support the pick-up apparatus in a position where the jets impinge on floating foreign material and direct it into the deflector.

From the foregoing detailed description, it is believed apparent that the present invention enables the accomplishment of the objects initially set forth herein. The inventive device is particularly desirable, since it enables the taking of cleaning swipes 36 inches wide or greater, depending upon the water pressure available, as compared to maximum swipes of about 18 inches that may be taken with prior art vacuuming devices. The inventive device also has the novel and advantageous characteristic that it enables the positioning of leaves and other debris between the jet and collecting receptacle before push or draw forces are applied thereto.

It is to be understood that the inventive device and method is not intended to be limited to the specific details of the embodiments illustrated and described. For example, it is considered within the province of the invention to deflect the cleaning jet and foreign material entrained therein into a collecting receptacle solely through the utilization of a deflecting jet directed into the receptacle.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for cleaning foreign material from submerged swimming pool surfaces, said apparatus being adapted for use in combination with a receptacle having an open inlet portion and a fluid discharge portion, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a receiver adapted to be secured to the open inlet portion of a receptacle used in combination therewith;

(b) guide means secured to said receiver, said guide means being adapted to guide fluid directed thereinto through the open inlet portion of a receptacle secured to said receiver;

(c) a water conveying conduit having a portion disposed in laterally spaced relationship with respect to said guide means;

(d) a nozzle in said portion of the conduit positioned to direct a jet of water from said portion into said guide means;

(e) means for orientating said nozzle relative to the surface of a pool being cleaned in a position where a jet of water issuing therefrom passes in close proximity and substantially parallel. to said surface; and wherein the apparatus is characterized in that, upon thus orientating said nozzle:

(1) the area between said nozzle and guide means is unenclosed beneath said jet to enable said jet to wash over said surface and entrain foreign material therefrom; and,

(2) the area between said nozzle and guide means is unenclosed laterally of said jet sufliciently to permit the free flow of water contained in the pool to and from said area; and further comprising,

(f) a longitudinally extensive handle secured to said receiver in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by a jet of water issuing from said nozzle to provide for traversing of said receiver over the surface of a pool being cleaned in a direction normal to said path, and;

(g) means to selectively vary the degree to which the area between said nozzle and guide means is laterally unenclosed.

2. A device to effect the cleaning of foreign material from submerged swimming pool surfaces, comprising:

(a) a vertically extensive receptacle having an open lower portion and an upper portion through which water may pass;

(b) a deflector secured below said receptacle, said deflector having an open vertically disposed end directed toward the open lower portion of said receptacle and an open horizontally disposed end communicating with said vertically disposed end;

(c) a water conveying conduit having a portion secured in laterally spaced relationship with respect to said deflector;

(d) a nozzle in said portion of the conduit positioned to direct a jet of water from said portion into the open horizontally disposed end of said deflector;

(e) means for orientating said nozzle relative to the surface of a pool being cleaned in a position where a jet of water issuing therefrom passes in close proximity and substantially parallel to said surface; and wherein the device is characterized in that, upon thus orientating said nozzle:

(1) the area between said nozzle and deflector is unenclosed beneath said jet to enable said jet to wash over said surface and entrain foreign material therefrom;

(2) the area between said nozzle and deflector is unenclosed laterally of said jet sufliciently to permit the free flow of water contained in the pool to and from said area; and,

(3) said deflector is adapted to deflect water and foreign material directed into the horizontally disposed end thereof by said jet of water substantially vertically into the open lower portion of said receptacle; and further comprising,

(f) a longitudinally extensive handle secured relative to said nozzle in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by a jet of water issuing therefrom to provide for traversing of said nozzle over the surface of a pool being cleaned in a direction normal to said path; and,

(g) means to selectively vary the degree to which the area between said nozzle and deflector is laterally unenclosed.

3. A device to effect the cleaning of foreign material from submerged swimming pool surfaces, comprising:

(a) a vertically extensive receptacle having an open lower portion and an upper portion through which water may pass;

(b) a deflector secured below said receptacle, said deflector having an open vertically disposed end directed toward the open lower portion of said receptacle and an open horizontally disposed end corn municating with said vertically disposed end;

(c) a water conveying conduit having a portion secured in laterally spaced relationship with respect to said deflector;

(d) a nozzle in said portion of the conduit positioned to direct a jet of water from said portion into the open horizontally disposed end of said deflector;

(e) means for orientating said nozzle relative to the surface of a pool being cleaned in a position where a jet of water issuing therefrom passes in close proximity and substantially parallel to said surface; and wherein the device is characterized in that, upon thus orientating said nozzle:

(1) the area between said nozzle and deflector is unenclosed beneath said jet to enable said jet to wash over said surface and entrain foreign material therefrom;

(2) the area between said nozzle and deflector is unenclosed laterally of said jet sufliciently to permit the free flow of water contained in the pool to and from said area; and,

(3) said deflector is adapted to deflect water and foreign material directed into the horizontally disposed end thereof by said jet of water substantially vertically into the open lower portion of said receptacle; and further comprising,

(f) a longitudinally extensive handle secured relative to said nozzle in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by a jet of Water issuing therefrom to provide for traversing of said nozzle over the surface of a pool being cleaned in a direction normal to said path;

(g) a water conveying conduit having a portion secured adjacent the open lower portion of said receptacle; and,

(h) a nozzle in said portion of the latter conduit positioned to direct a jet of water upwardly into the open lower portion of said receptacle.

4. A device to effect the cleaning of foreign material from submerged swimming pool surfaces, comprising:

(a) a vertically extensive receptacle defined by a bag having an open lower portion and a closed upper portion pervious to the passage of water therethrough and substantially impervious to the passage of foreign material therethrough;

(b) a deflector secured below said receptacle, said deflector having an open vertically disposed end directed toward the open lower portion of said receptacle and an open horizontally disposed end communicating with said vertically disposed end;

(0) a water conveying conduit having a portion secured in laterally spaced relationship with respect to said deflector;

(d) a nozzle in said portion of the conduit positioned to direct a jet of water from said portion into the open horizontally disposed end of said deflector;

(e) means for orientating said nozzle relative to the surface of a pool being cleaned in a position where a jet of water issuing therefrom passes in close proximity and substantially parallel to said surface; and wherein the device is characterized in that, upon this orientating said nozzle:

(1) the area between said nozzle and deflector is unenclosed beneath said jet to enable said jet to wash over said surface and entrain foreign material therefrom;

(2) the area between said nozzle and deflector is unenclosed laterally of said jet sufficiently to permit the free flow of water contained in the poo to and from said area; and,

(3) said deflector is adapted to deflect Water and foreign material directed into the horizontally disposed end thereof by said jet of water substantially vertically into the open lower portion of said receptacle; and further comprising,

(f) a longitudinally extensive handle secured relative to said nozzle in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by a jet of water issuing therefrom to provide for traversing of said nozzle over the surface of a pool being cleaned in a direction normal to said path.

5. A device to effect the cleaning of foreign material from submerged swimming pool surfaces, comprising:

(a) a vertically extensive receptacle defined by vacuum hosehaving an open lower portion and an impervious upper portion adapted to convey water and foreign material entrained therein to a discharge point located externally of a pool being cleaned;

(b) a deflector secured below said receptacle, said deflector having an open vertically disposed end directed toward the open lower portion of said receptacle and an open horizontally disposed end communicating with said vertically disposed end;

(c) a water conveying conduit having a portion secured in laterally spaced relationship with respect to said deflector;

(d) a nozzle in said portion of the conduit positioned to direct a jet of water from said portion into the open horizontally disposed end of said deflector;

(e) means for orientating said nozzle relative to the surface of a pool being cleaned in a position where a jet of water issuing therefrom passes in close proximity and substantially parallel to said surface; and wherein the device is characterized in that, upon thus orientating said nozzle:

(1) the area between said nozzle and deflector is unenclosed beneath said jet to enable said jet to wash over said surface and entrain foreign material therefrom;

(2) the area between said nozzle and deflector is unenclosed laterally of said jet sufliciently to permit the free flow of water contained in the pool to and from said area; and,

(3) said deflector is adapted to deflect water and foreign material directed into the horizontally disposed end thereof by said jet of water substantially vertically into the open lower portion of said receptacle; and further comprising,

(f) a longitudinally extensive handle secured relative to said nozzle in a plane substantially normal to the path defined by a jet of water issuing therefrom to provide for traversing of said nozzle over the surface of a pool being cleaned in a direction normal to said path.

6. A device to effect the cleaning of foreign material from submerged swimming pool surfaces, comprising:

(a) vertically extensive receptacle means having a lower portion with inlet opening means therein and an upper portion through which water may pass;

(b) at least one pair of opposed deflectors secured below said receptacle means, said deflectors each having an open vertically disposed end directed toward the inlet opening means of said receptacle means and an open horizontally disposed end communicating with the vertically disposed end thereof, said horizontally disposed ends of each pair of opposed deflectors facing in opposite directions;

(c) a water conveying conduit having opposed end portions, each of which portions is secured in opposed spaced relationship with respect to one of said deflectors;

(d) a nozzle on each of said end portions positioned to direct a jet of water therefrom into the horizontally disposed end of the deflector in opposed spaced relationship with respect thereto, said nozzles being adapted to simultaneously issue jets of water therefrom;

(e) means for simultaneously orientating each of said nozzles relative to the surface of a pool being cleaned in a position where jets of water issuing therefrom 10 pass in close proximity and substantially parallel to said surface; and wherein the device is characterized in that, upon thus orientating said nozzles:

(1) the area between each of said nozzles and the horizontally disposed end of the deflector in opposed relationship with respect thereto is unenclosed to enable said jets to wash over said surface and entrain foreign material therefrom;

(2) the area between each of said nozzles and the horizontally disposed end of the deflector in opposed relationship with respect thereto is unenclosed laterally sufficiently to permit the free flow of water contained in the pool to and from said area; and

(3) said deflectors are each adapted to deflect water and foreign material directed into the horizontally disposed ends thereof by said jets of water substantially vertically into the inlet opening means of said receptacle means; and further comprising,

(f) a longitudinally extensive handle secured relative to said nozzles in a plane substantially normal to the paths defined by jets of water issuing therefrom to provide for traversing of said nozzles over the surface of a pool being cleaned in a direction normal to said paths.

7. A pool cleaning device according to claim 6 wherein:

(a) said deflectors are disposed in juxtaposed relationship; and,

(b) said conduit end portions are disposed in spaced relationship.

8. A pool cleaning device according to claim 7 wherein:

(a) the horizontally disposed ends of said deflectors define therebetween a concave cavity having an open side adapted to assume an orientation in juxtaposition to the surface of the pool being cleaned;

(b) said cavity has an opening therethrough extending into the interior of at least one of said deflectors; and including:

(1) a water conveying conduit having a portion disposed in said cavity in spaced relationship with respect to said opening; and

(2) a nozzle in said portion positioned to direct a jet of water from said portion through said opening.

9. A pool cleaning device according to claim 7, including:

(a) a water conveying conduit having a portion disposed adjacent said deflectors; and,

(b) a nozzle in said portion positioned to direct a jet of water upwardly therefrom into the inlet opening means of said receptacle means.

10. A pool cleaning device according to claim 6,

wherein:

(a) said deflectors are disposed in spaced relationship;

and,

(b) said conduit end portions are disposed in juxtaposed relationship.

11. A pool cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein:

(a) said receptacle means comprises a sock-type filter;

(b) the inlet opening means of said receptacle means is defined by openings in the opposite ends of said filter; and,

(c) the upper portion of said receptacle means is -defined by an intermediate section of said filter pervious to the passage of water therethrough and substantially impervious to the passage of foreign material therethrough.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 440,616 11/1890 Bonett 134-37 741,987 10/1903 Thurman 15-405 X (Other references on following page) UNITED 11- J12 STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS Thurman 15405 X 10,179 of 1904 Great Britain. Sullivan 15345 Thurman 15 345 X OTHER? REFERENCES Ackerman 134 37 5 German prmted apphcatlon, P. 6, 206-V/ 37F, Apr. 5, Replogle 15-346 1956 Bl f 1d 15-1.7 X 2 52; CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner. Pansini 151.7 E. L. ROBERTS, Assistant Examiner.

OXley 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM SUBMERGED SWIMMING POOL SURFACES, SAID APPARATUS BEING ADAPTED FOR USE IN COMBINATION WITH A RECEPTACLE HAVING AN OPEN INLET PORTION AND A FLUID DISCHARGE PORTION, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING: (A) A RECEIVER ADAPTED TO BE SECURED TO THE OPEN INLET PORTION OF A RECEPTACLE USED IN COMBINATION THEREWITH; (B) GUIDE MEANS SECURED TO SAID RECEIVER, SAID GUIDE MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO GUIDE FLUID DIRECTED THEREINTO THROUGH THE OPEN INLET PORTION OF A RECEPTACLE SECURED TO SAID RECEIVER; (C) A WATER CONVEYING CONDUIT HAVING A PORTION DISPOSED IN LATERALLY SPACED RELATIONSHIP WITH RESPECT TO SAID GUIDE MEANS; (D) A NOZZLE IN SAID PORTION OF THE CONDUIT POSITIONED TO DIRECT A JET OF WATER FROM SAID PORTION INTO SAID GUIDE MEANS; (E) MEANS FOR ORIENTATING SAID NOZZLE RELATIVE TO THE SURFACE OF A POOL BEING CLEANED IN A POSITION WHERE A JET OF WATER ISSUING THEREFROM PASSES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY AND SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO SAID SURFACE; AND WHEREIN THE APPARATUS IN CHARACTERIZED IN THAT, UPON THUS ORIENTATING SAID NOZZLE: (1) THE AREA BETWEEN SAID NOZZLE AND GUIDE MEANS IS UNENCLOSED BENEATH SAID JET TO ENABLE SAID JET TO WASH OVER SAID SURFACE AND ENTRAIN FOREIGN MATERIAL THEREFROM; AND, (2) THE AREA BETWEEN SAID NOZZLE AND GUIDE MEANS IS UNENCLOSED LATERALLY OF SAID JET SUFFICIENTLY TO PERMIT THE FREE FLOW OF WATER CONTAINED IN THE POOL TO AND FROM SAID AREA; AND FURTHER COMPRISING, (F) A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENSIVE HANDLE SECURED TO SAID RECEIVER IN A PLANE SUBSTANTIALLY NORMAL TO THE PATH DEFINED BY A JET OF WATER ISSUING FROM SAID NOZZLE TO PROVIDE FOR TRAVERSING OF SAID RECEIVER OVER THE SURFACE OF A POOL BEING CLEANED IN A DIRECTION NORMAL TO SAID PATH, AND; (G) MEANS TO SELECTIVELY VARY THE DEGREE TO WHICH THE AREA BETWEEN SAID NOZZLE AND GUIDE MEANS IS LATERALLY UNENCLOSED. 